Surface ASW Combat System Integration

The Surface ASW Combat Systems Integration (PE 0205620N) program is a Navy Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities of surface ships. The primary goal of this program is to enhance the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Surface Ship ASW Combat System through the rapid development and integration of new technologies. This ensures the U.S. Navy can effectively counter evolving undersea threats. The program supports both the surface fleet and theater-level ASW requirements, aiming to maintain technological superiority in detection, classification, and engagement of adversary submarines.

Surface ASW System Improvement (Project 1916) is the core project within this program element. Its objective is to deliver incremental performance enhancements to the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 system, focusing on operator interface improvements, active and passive sonar detection, tracking, classification, localization, and torpedo defense. The project leverages Open System Architecture (OSA) and Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) hardware to enable rapid insertion of advanced capabilities, such as expanded acoustic sensor bandwidth and improved sonobuoy data processing. These upgrades are essential for maintaining effectiveness against modern submarine threats, including quiet diesel-electric submarines and advanced torpedoes.

The Advanced Capability Build (ACB) Development process is central to the program's strategy. Using a four-step spiral development model, the ACB process assesses, tests, integrates, and evaluates new algorithms and technologies before fielding them to the fleet. This approach allows for regular, two-year upgrade cycles, ensuring that the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 system remains responsive to emerging operational needs and technological advancements. The ACB process is now managed using Agile DevSecOps methodologies, enabling more rapid and flexible software delivery, continuous integration, and the incorporation of industry innovations such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Surface Ship ASW Test & Evaluation (T&E) Program supports the certification of new ACB releases prior to deployment. This involves comprehensive testing and analysis, including the finalization of Test & Evaluation Master Plans (TEMPs), developmental tests (DT), and operational tests (OT). The T&E program ensures that system upgrades meet performance and cybersecurity requirements, supporting readiness reviews and cyber assessments to validate the system's operational suitability and resilience.

The Surface Ship Engineering Measurement Program (SSEMP) provides ongoing performance analysis of the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 system in operational settings. SSEMP activities include data collection during fleet exercises, post-test analysis, and evaluation of prototype tactics and algorithms. The insights gained from SSEMP inform future system improvements, training, and employment guidance. This ensures that the system's capabilities are continuously refined based on real-world operational data.

The Cyber Security Architecture Upgrade initiative within this program is dedicated to enhancing the cyber resilience of the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 system. This includes developing and implementing cybersecurity measures, conducting cyber-related testing, and aligning the system's security posture with future AEGIS Integrated Combat Systems. The program follows the Risk Management Framework (RMF) for continuous monitoring and authorization, addressing vulnerabilities, supply chain risks, and infrastructure integrity to ensure mission assurance in contested environments.

The Surface ASW Combat Systems Integration program is structured to deliver timely, cost-effective, and technologically advanced ASW capabilities to the Navy's surface fleet. By leveraging open architectures, COTS hardware, agile development practices, and robust test and evaluation processes, the program aims to maintain U.S. undersea warfare superiority and support broader maritime strategy objectives. The transition of Project 1916 to a new program element (PE 0603561N) in FY 2026 reflects ongoing efforts to streamline and consolidate Navy RDT&E activities for increased lethality and efficiency across the submarine and surface fleet.